Philippe Myers Bio
Philippe Myers is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. Born on January 25, 1997, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Myers began his professional career in 2017 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers. Known for his imposing 6-foot-5 frame combined with skilled defensive play, Myers has built a solid NHL career spanning multiple organizations. He has previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, and Tampa Bay Lightning before joining the Maple Leafs in 2024. On the international stage, Myers has represented Canada with distinction, earning silver medals at both the 2017 World Junior Championships and the 2019 World Championships.
Early Life and Background
Myers was born on January 25, 1997, in Moncton, New Brunswick, and grew up in Dieppe, New Brunswick. He is the only child of Dave and Suzanne Myers, and he credits his family as his primary source of motivation throughout his hockey career. His father is English-speaking while his mother is bilingual, and Myers attended Francophone school as a child. This upbringing allowed him to become comfortable communicating in both French and English, a trait that has served him well throughout his professional career.
As an adolescent, Myers played minor ice hockey within the Moncton Flyers midget AAA league, developing the foundational skills that would eventually carry him to the professional ranks. His early exposure to competitive hockey in New Brunswick laid the groundwork for his eventual selection into major junior hockey.
Path to Hockey
Myers advanced his hockey career by entering the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies selected Myers in the fourth round, 58th overall, during the 2013 QMJHL entry draft. This selection marked his entry into major junior hockey and the next step toward professional aspirations. His progression through the junior ranks caught the attention of NHL scouts, despite the fact that he would eventually go undrafted.
Following his strong play during the 2015-16 QMJHL season, NHL scouts believed Myers would have been a first-round selection in the 2016 NHL entry draft if the Philadelphia Flyers had not already signed him as a free agent. This speaks to the quality of his development and the potential scouts saw in the young defenceman.
Philippe Myers Career
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2017-2021)
Myers signed his first professional contract as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers on September 21, 2015. He made his NHL debut on February 17, 2019, in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, marking the realization of his childhood dream. Just weeks later, on March 6, 2019, Myers scored his first career NHL goal during a game against the Washington Capitals.
During the 2019-20 season, Myers established himself as a reliable presence on the Flyers blue line. By the end of January, he had become a staple in the lineup, tied with Carson Soucy of the Minnesota Wild for the best plus-minus rating at plus-16 among all NHL rookies. Playing primarily on the second defensive pairing with Travis Sanheim, Myers contributed four goals and 16 points through 50 games before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Return to Play and Injury Challenges (2020-2021)
Shortly before the NHL season was suspended, Myers suffered a significant injury when he fractured his right patella while blocking a shot from Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres. He was expected to miss approximately a month of play. By the time the NHL crafted their return-to-play plan for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Myers had fully recovered and was ready for his first postseason appearance. He played in all 16 playoff games as the Flyers advanced before being eliminated by the New York Islanders. Myers contributed three goals and four points during the playoffs, including the overtime game-winning goal in Game 2 against the Islanders.
On December 8, 2020, the Flyers signed Myers to a three-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $2.55 million. When veteran Matt Niskanen unexpectedly retired, Myers became the first choice to play alongside Ivan Provorov on the top defensive pairing for the 2020-21 season. However, only four games into the season, Myers suffered a fractured rib after colliding with Jake McCabe of the Buffalo Sabres. After recovering, Myers struggled to regain his previous form and moved in and out of the Flyers lineup. Through 44 games of the pandemic-shortened season, he recorded one goal and 10 assists.
Nashville Predators (2021-2022)
On July 17, 2021, the Flyers traded Myers along with Nolan Patrick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Ryan Ellis. Myers remained with Nashville as part of their roster revamp aimed at building a strong core of younger players. However, through the first 11 games of the 2021-22 season, Myers played in only three contests, with other defencemen filling the right-side spots on the roster. On March 23, 2022, days after Nashville placed Myers on waivers and he cleared, he was loaned to the Toronto Marlies following an earlier trade between the Maple Leafs and Predators that involved Alex Biega.
Tampa Bay Lightning (2022-2024)
Following a challenging first season with Nashville, Myers was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 3, 2022, along with Grant Mismash, in exchange for veteran defenceman Ryan McDonagh. On August 26, 2022, the Lightning extended his contract for one additional year at $1.4 million. Myers spent two seasons with Tampa Bay, contributing to their defensive corps as they remained competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2024-Present)
After becoming a free agent from the Lightning, Myers signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 2, 2024. He played his first game with the Maple Leafs on October 26, 2024, beginning a new chapter in his career with his hometown team. As a Canadian player joining one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, Myers brings his experience and size to Toronto’s defensive group.
Driving Style and Strengths
Myers combines his imposing 6-foot-5 frame with sound defensive positioning and the ability to contribute offensively from the blue line. His right-handed shot and reach make him effective in corner battles and in protecting the front of the net. Throughout his career, he has shown the capacity to log significant minutes and play in various situations, including power play and penalty kill units.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Myers’ most memorable moments was scoring the overtime game-winning goal in Game 2 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Islanders, a moment that demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His recovery from a fractured patella to participate in all 16 playoff games that season showcased his resilience and dedication to his team.
Philippe Myers Career Wins
While Myers has yet to win a Stanley Cup championship, he has accumulated significant playoff experience and international success throughout his career. His most notable team achievement came during the 2019-20 NHL season when the Philadelphia Flyers advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
International Achievements
Myers represented Canada for the first time on the international stage at the 2017 World Junior Championships held in Montreal and Toronto. He registered three assists in just four games as Canada claimed the silver medal as the host nation, losing the final to the United States. Partway through the tournament, Myers sustained an injury that forced him out for the remainder of the competition. He later joined Team Canada as a late addition to the 2019 World Championships in Slovakia, serving as an injury replacement for Brandon Montour. Myers made his full international debut on May 16, 2019, in a 5-2 victory over France. He helped Canada progress through to the playoff rounds before they lost the final to Finland, earning another silver medal. Myers finished the 2019 tournament with one assist from the blue line in seven games.
Other Highlights
Throughout his NHL career, Myers has developed a reputation as a steady defender capable of playing heavy minutes. His plus-minus rating and two-way play have been consistent highlights throughout his career, with his rookie season plus-16 rating standing as a testament to his defensive reliability.
Philippe Myers Family
Family Background
Myers is the only child of Dave and Suzanne Myers. His family has been instrumental in his hockey journey, providing motivation and support throughout his development from minor hockey in Moncton to the NHL. His father, an English speaker, and bilingual mother created an environment that fostered Myers’ bilingual abilities, which have benefited him throughout his professional career.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Myers is a self-taught pianist who learned music by ear rather than reading sheet music. He credits YouTube videos as his teacher for developing this musical skill, showcasing a creative side that differs from his physical presence on the hockey rink. This hobby demonstrates his ability to learn and adapt, traits that have contributed to his success in hockey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marks Myers’ first full season with the Toronto Maple Leafs following his October 2024 debut. Playing for his home country’s Original Six franchise brings added significance to his performance. Myers’ experience from his previous four NHL organizations, combined with his size and two-way capabilities, provides the Maple Leafs with defensive depth as they pursue a deep playoff run. His ability to play significant minutes and contribute in various situations makes him a valuable asset on Toronto’s blue line. The Maple Leafs benefit from having a player who has experienced meaningful playoff hockey and international competition, adding veteran presence to their defensive corps as they work toward their championship goals.